The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is set to return after a 20-year hiatus, with the event scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20. The tournament, which was last held in 1999, is expected to be a major event in the golfing calendar, with over 20 countries from Africa, Europe, and other continents participating. According to Otunba Segun Runsewe, President of the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF), the event will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am tournament with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament was first played in 1969 at the Ikoyi Club in Lagos and was held annually until 1999. From 1997 to 1999, the tournament was held at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja. The event's return is seen as a major boost to golf in Nigeria, with Runsewe stating that the NGF has been working hard to reposition golf and raise its standards in the country. The NGF has implemented new measures, including a social media strategy, website, insurance policies, and a World Handicap System (WHS) index.
Runsewe expressed his delight at the tournament's return, stating that it marks a new beginning for golf in Nigeria. He noted that the NGF has taken time to prepare for the event, which is expected to feature between 150 and 200 golfers. The tournament is likely to be held at the Lakowe Golf Resort in Lagos, which has been identified as a possible host venue. Runsewe's efforts to rebrand the NGF and establish systems capable of meeting international standards have been seen as a positive step towards promoting golf in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is expected to have a significant impact on golf in Nigeria and Africa. According to Runsewe, the event will help to promote golf and attract new players to the sport. The tournament's return is also seen as an opportunity for Nigeria to host a major international golf event, which could help to boost the country's reputation as a golfing nation.
The NGF's efforts to promote golf in Nigeria have been ongoing, with the federation working to develop the sport and attract new players. The return of the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament is seen as a major milestone in this effort, and is expected to help to raise the profile of golf in Nigeria. With over 20 countries expected to participate, the event is set to be a major success.
The tournament's format will feature a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection. This format is expected to attract top golfers from around the world, and will provide a platform for Nigerian golfers to compete against international players. The event's return is seen as a major boost to golf in Nigeria, and is expected to have a positive impact on the sport in the country.
The return of the Nigeria Open Golf Tournament marks a new chapter for golf in Nigeria and Africa. With the event's success, the NGF is expected to continue to promote golf and attract new players to the sport. The tournament's impact is expected to be felt for years to come, and is seen as a major step towards establishing Nigeria as a major golfing nation.
Key points
- The Nigeria Open Golf Tournament returns after 20 years, with over 20 countries expected to participate.
- The tournament will be a 64-hole, four-day Pro-Am event with world ranking status and an Amateur World Ranking connection.
- The event's return is seen as a major boost to golf in Nigeria, and is expected to have a positive impact on the sport in the country.